Memory Ch.8

Created by Kendra George

Recall
Retrieving information not currently in conscious awareness

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TermDefinition
RecallRetrieving information not currently in conscious awareness
RecognitionIdentifying items previously learned (like multiple choice)
RelearningLearning something more quickly when encountered again
EncodingGetting information into memory
StorageRetaining encoded information over time
RetrievalGetting information back out of memory storage
Parallel processingThe brain’s ability to handle many aspects of a problem at once
Sensory memoryVery brief recording of sensory information (a few seconds or less)
Short-term memoryActivated memory holding a few items briefly before storage or forgetting
Long-term memoryRelatively permanent
Working memoryActive processing of incoming info plus retrieved long-term info
Explicit memoryMemory of facts and experiences we consciously know and declare
Effortful processingEncoding that requires attention and conscious effort
Automatic processingUnconscious encoding of incidental info and well-learned skills
Implicit memoryRetention of learned skills or conditioned associations without conscious awareness
Iconic memoryA very brief sensory memory of visual stimuli (tenths of a second)
Echoic memoryA brief sensory memory of auditory stimuli (3–4 seconds)
ChunkingOrganizing items into familiar
MnemonicsMemory aids
Spacing effectBetter long-term retention when study is spaced over time
Testing effectEnhanced memory after retrieving information
Shallow processingEncoding on a basic level
Deep processingEncoding semantically
Semantic memoryExplicit memory of facts and general knowledge
Episodic memoryExplicit memory of personally experienced events
HippocampusBrain structure that helps process explicit memories for storage
Memory consolidationNeural storage of a long-term memory
Flashbulb memoryA clear memory of an emotionally significant event
Long-term potentiation (LTP)Increase in synapse firing potential after brief
PrimingActivation of associations in memory
Encoding specificity principleIdea that cues specific to an event/person help with recall
Mood-congruent memoryTendency to recall experiences consistent with one’s current mood
Serial position effectTendency to recall best the first and last items in a list
Anterograde amnesiaInability to form new memories
Retrograde amnesiaInability to retrieve past memories
Proactive interferenceWhen old information disrupts recall of new information
Retroactive interferenceWhen new learning disrupts recall of old information
RepressionBanishing painful or unacceptable memories into the unconscious (Freud’s theory)
ReconsolidationWhen memories are retrieved
Misinformation effectWhen misleading information corrupts one’s memory of an event
Source amnesiaAttributing an event to the wrong source (forgetting where/when info was learned)